Other D. R. Hotel Choices

The Dominican Republic is awash in hotels. Those recommended in our hotel index are our favorites, but there are many others worth considering, such as:

$$$$ Sivory Punta Cana (Playa de Uvero Alto, Punta Cana. 809/552-0500. www.sivorypuntacana.com), a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is a new boutique hotel and spa that is not all-inclusive. It's special because of its handsome suite accommodations, genteel ambience and clientele, and total do-nothing itinerary. The best suites are the oceanfront ones with their own plunge pool. The cuisine is not food art, as it is billed, although individual meals can be lovely. Service is a weakness -- some key staffers are super, but others are quite green.

$$$ Excellence Punta Cana (Playa de Uvero Alto, Punta Cana. 809/685-9880. www.secretsresorts.com) is no longer a Secrets hotel, so the jury is out as to how it will all shake down. This adults-only resort has that extra measure of romance and sensuality that makes it perfect for lovers. All the spacious suites have double Jacuzzis and there is a great spa. Excellence Club rooms have such extra perks as CD/DVD players and concierge service; in swim-out suites the patio has immediate access to the pool. Super! Topless bathing is allowed on their stretch of virgin beach. It's still an all-inclusive member of Preferred Hotels.

$$$ Iberostar Costa Dorada (Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata. 809/320-1000 or 888/923-2722. www.iberostar.com) will dazzle you with its sprawling lobby with its hardwood benches and sculptures; the curvaceous pool with a central Jacuzzi is encircled by Roman pillars. Other all-inclusives could learn from its buffet; of the à la carte restaurants, the Brazilian one is the standout. This resort does a lot right, and yes, there is a spa, but the rooms are starting to look dated, and it lacks personality. Also, Playa Dorada nearby is the preferred location for many.

$-$$$ Orchid Bay Estates (Cabrera. 809/589-7773. www.orchidbay.com) is a Caribbean dream. This small collection of fully staffed waterfront estates shares an idyllic, mile-long beach, where aromatic almond trees bend low over pearlescent sand. Rugged cliffs frame this pretty postcard. Though originally thought of as remote (it's one hour from Cabarete), this area is now booming, with several restaurants within a five-minute walk and a shopping plaza open on the Cabrera road. Too expensive? Well, the largest Italian-style palazzo with its praiseworthy chef can sleep 16; when the rate is divided per person, it'ss quite affordable. The experience is unforgettable, be it for a wedding, a conference, or a Big Chill-style reunion.

$$ Palladium Bávaro Grand Resort & Spa (Playa Bávaro. 809/221-8149. www.fiesta-hotels.com) is nestled on a nice stretch of white sand surrounded by a palm grove. Unfortunately, few rooms have sea views; however, deluxe rooms and junior suites have arches and pillars, marbleized coral stone, and hydro-massage tubs. It is a megaresort and somewhat cold and impersonal because of it (the theater seats 1,400). Family-friendly, it has exclusive family suites. The soothing spa is a professional operation and kudos to both the Asian and Spanish restaurants for their authentic decor, ambience, and menus. Americans make up a small percentage of the package groups.

$-$$ The Courtyard by Marriott (Autopista Duarte Km 9, Santiago. 809/612-7000. www.marriott.com) is a new, squeaky-clean, American hotel. The plush bedding and bevy of pillows in the contemporary rooms are normally found only in the priciest resorts. The thick blue-and-gold carpet is certainly not the norm, either. Bravo! Breakfast is an ample buffet and there are meeting rooms, a lovely pool, a free shuttle to the airport and oh, yes, great cheeseburgers with imported U.S. beef.

$-$$ The Hodelpa Gran Almirante Hotel & Casino (Av. Estrella Sadhal, Santiago. 809/580-1992. www.hodelpa.com) is the city hotel with a pool and sundeck, fitness room, steam and sauna, as well as a business center. Its executive level is worth the supplement; its lounge is a crisp white with panoramic city views, and a 30-minute massage is one of the perks. All guests have a lovely breakfast included and the fun place at night is the tapas bar. Rooms are large and utilitarian -- they could use a cheery redecoration.